Wayne Rooney still raring to go
LONDON: Wayne Rooney has insisted that he has a lot of football left in him and, although he turns 31 next week, he believes he is capable of delivering for Manchester United in every match, despite being reduced to a substitute’s role by manager Jose Mourinho.
Rooney’s willingness to stop to discuss his marginalisation at Old Trafford – a state of affairs that would leave the majority of Premier League footballers unwilling to speak – illustrates the maturity which England and United managers repeatedly mention.
He was phlegmatic about being a substitute in five of his last six matches for United and England.
“I like to think I can play every game, but obviously it’s the manager’s decision and I respect that,” Rooney said. “I will be ready when I’m needed. I’m 31 next week, I’ve got a lot of football left.”
He did not deny that he was frustrated by watching from the sidelines. “Yeah of course you want to play. I have to try and do my job for the team and wait for my chance,” he said. Rooney may get his first start for United since last month’s EFL Cup win at Northampton when Europa League opponents Fenerbahce arrive at Old Trafford tonight.
“I don’t know, I’m sure the manager will have looked at tonight, and I’m sure he’ll have an idea,” he said to that.
Despite the defensive nature of the performance in the goalless draw at Anfield, Rooney said United felt they could win the Premier League under Mourinho. “Yeah, I do,” he said. “I think we’ll be challenging this season. We’ve still got that belief and it is even stronger after working with this manager, and the players over the last few months. I think we’ve got a fantastic squad that is ready and capable of challenging.”
His 15-minute role at Anfield was not without its problems. Replacing Marcus Rashford on the United flank, Rooney found himself operating as a utility right-back and on two occasions Liverpool’s James Milner got in behind him.
Debate now rages about exactly how defensive United were at Liverpool. Opta statistics suggested a mere 35% ball possession. – The Independent